Sony DCR-SR300 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on May 16, 2007 3:28 PM 
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Compression (4.0)
The SR300 (Review, Specs, $761.95) follows in the footsteps of Sony’s first HDD-based camcorder, the SD100 and records MPEG-2 video at three quality settings: HQ, SP, and LP. These quality settings (found under the heading REC MODE in both the Home and Option menus) correspond to the degree to which the footage is compressed, with less compression resulting in higher bit rates and better video than more compression. HQ records at a maximum rate of 9Mbps, with the lowest level of compression; SP increases compression and records at a max rate of 6Mbps; and LP has the highest compression level at 3Mbps, but produces files 1/3 the size of HQ and ½ the size of SP.
Like most camcorders that use MPEG-2 compression, the DCR-SR300 (Review, Specs, $761.95) employs variable bit rate (VBR) processing. VBR encoding allows the camcorder to ratchet down the bit rate when the recorded image is less complex (as in a static seated interview), and up when it is more complex (a soccer game shot from the sidelines hand-held). In theory, this allows the camcorder to use lower levels of compression that require more disk space only when necessary, and saves disk space when the scene is less demanding.
MPEG-2 is readily compatible with most home DVD players, and has become one of the most common compression methods on today’s consumer camcorders. The DV compression used on standard definition camcorders that record to MiniDV tape can produce better quality video than MPEG-2, and DV is widely supported by higher-end NLEs (non-linear editors) like Final Cut Pro and Premiere. The quality of MPEG-2 footage has made great strides in recent years, however. By 2006, the best Sony and Panasonic MPEG-2 camcorders, including the DCR-SR100 (Review, Specs, $999), boasted performance that approached the best DV camcorders on the market.
Media (6.0)
Hard disk drive (HDD) media is becoming increasingly popular with consumers and prosumers alike – and for good reason. When it comes to field media management, nothing is simpler than HDD recording because it literally negates the need to swap out discs, tapes, or flash cards when they fill up. The DCR-SR300 sports a 40GB non-removable (HDD) protected by a few standard safety features, including Drop Sensor which automatically freezes the drive mechanism in the event of a drop, or as the manual euphemistically says, a “non-gravity condition.” In addition, the HDD is protected by physical shock absorbers to reduce jarring during normal use. More than any other media, HDDs require safety features like these because they rely on moving parts that cannot be easily replaced.
The capacity of the 40GB HDD is dependent on the recording mode. In the lowest compression HQ mode, the HDD can hold 570 minutes (9.5 hours); in SP mode, 870 minutes (14.5 hours); and in LP mode, 1680 minutes (28 hours).
The user’s guide notes that this camcorder should not be powered up at altitudes above 3000 meters (about 9,800 feet). This is a warning we have seen on Sony’s other HDD camcorders. If you want to record footage of your next boarding trip to the Rockies (or you happen to live in Leadville, CO) this is definitely not the camcorder for you. Another factor to take note of is that formatting the disc may not delete all footage from the HDD. Sony recommends using the Empty option to ensure that nothing can be recovered, for example if you elect to eBay your SR300 after a few months of use.
Editing (6.0)
The DCR-SR300 ships Picture Motion Browser Ver.2.0.06, a basic suite of editing software designed to work with Sony’s HDD camcorders. If you only plan on doing rudimentary editing – i.e. putting together a selection of clips without complex effects or transitions – the bundled software will satisfy your needs. If you are an experienced editor, and already have an NLE (non-linear editor) of choice, you may need to convert the SR300’s MPEG-2 footage into a format compatible with your program.
So-called consumer NLEs are more likely to support standard definition MPEG-2 video because it is considered a consumer format. Ironically, camcorders like the SR300 produce very nice looking video that is better than what some DV camcorders can muster – even though DV is considered a superior professional format. The bottom line is DV has been around for a long time, and is very well-supported by full-featured NLEs like Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid DV Xpress, and Adobe Premiere while